You Can Now Live Inside A Castle In The Peak District

By Martha Davies

4 months ago

From ruins to ravishing residences...


On the hunt for a property that stands out from the crowd? The Grade II-listed Riber Castle in Derbyshire was once destined for ruin, but it now contains 26 luxurious apartments. Read on for the rundown.

Inside The Brand New Apartments In Riber Castle, Derbyshire

Riber Castle lobby with vaulted ceiling

Perched on a hill overlooking the quaint town of Matlock is Riber Castle, a Grade-II listed masterpiece. Although it’s now home to a collection of gorgeous apartments, the castle was originally constructed in 1862 as the private residence of renowned philanthropist John Smedley. By the 1930s, it had become a boarding school, before being utilised as an emergency food store during WWII – and the grounds were then turned into a zoo, which operated until 2000.

Living room with cream sofas and floor-to-ceiling bay

A monumental renovation was required to restore the castle, which fell into disrepair after the war. Craftsmen and historians helped to preserve its fascinating original features, though residents can expect plenty of modern amenities, too. 

There’s a spa, sauna and steam room to explore, plus a state-of-the-art gym and a huge orangery. This breathtaking area contains a sleek workspace, a glamorous bar and a library featuring exposed stone walls and a six-metre vaulted ceiling. If you’re looking for period elegance, it certainly fits the bill. 

Bedroom with blue panelling and white bed linen

The apartments themselves contain between one and three bedrooms, with ground floor residences offering direct access to the castle’s communal grounds and upper floor residences boasting elegant terraces. The most luxurious homes, however, are the four ‘tower suites’, which are complete with (as you might expect) their own private towers encompassing a study area and a spectacular roof garden.

Riber Castle exterior with lawns and fountain

As if this wasn’t enough, you’ll also spot a listed courtyard garden – perfect for morning strolls, Bridgerton style. Oh, and you can enjoy some rather enviable views of the Derbyshire countryside, too. It seems there really are no downsides to living in a castle…

Guide prices at Riber Castle start at £575,000. For more information, visit savills.com